How do you build team cohesion and morale with team building activities?

1 Why team building matters

Team building is not a one-time event or a luxury perk, but an essential part of team development and performance. Through team building activities, team members can get to know each other better, build rapport and trust, improve communication and collaboration skills, enhance motivation and morale, align with the team's vision, values, and objectives, and learn new skills and knowledge. By doing so, they can appreciate their diversity and strengths, share experiences and feedback, work on common challenges and solve problems together, celebrate achievements and recognize contributions, as well as tap into the collective wisdom and creativity of the team.

2 How to choose team building activities

When selecting team building activities, there are several factors to consider. For example, the purpose of the activity should be clear and should align with your team's vision. Additionally, you should think about the amount of time you have for the activity, as well as the location and budget. Finally, make sure that all team members are able to participate and engage in the activity in a way that suits their learning styles, personalities, and preferences.

3 How to plan team building activities

When planning team building activities, it's important to communicate with your team in advance, explain the purpose, agenda, logistics, and expectations. Make sure to gather all materials and resources beforehand and assign roles and responsibilities to everyone. As you lead the activity, monitor progress and dynamics of the team, provide support and guidance when needed, encourage participation and interaction, and create a positive atmosphere. After the activity, ask your team to reflect on their experience and share their feedback. Highlight the key learnings and outcomes of the activity in relation to the team's work and goals. Appreciate and acknowledge your team's efforts and celebrate their success.

4 How to evaluate team building activities

Team building activities are not just a one-off exercise but part of an ongoing process of team development and improvement. Hence, it's essential to evaluate the effectiveness and the impact of the activities on your team's cohesion and morale. To do this, you can ask your team to rate and review the activity, with surveys, polls, interviews, or focus groups. Observe your team's behavior before, during, and after the activity to look for any changes or improvements in their trust, communication, collaboration, and engagement. Additionally, measure your team's results and outcomes against the goals and objectives of the activity using quantitative and qualitative data. Compare your team's performance with other teams or benchmarks to gain further insight.